Dreaming of hiking trails across Hungary? The Dr. Vizkelety L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Plaque commemorates the man who made that dream a reality. We stand here before this plaque. It honors a true pioneer of Hungarian tourism.
Dr. Vizkelety L\u00e1szl\u00f3 was born on February 9 1923. He is best known as the visionary behind the Orsz\u00e1gos K\u00e9kt\u00fara or National Blue Trail. This trail is not just significant for Hungary. It is also considered the first long-distance hiking trail in Europe.
Vizkelety’s passion for the outdoors began early. He became a scout in 1933. He qualified as a hiking guide in 1944. His work with the M\u00c1V railway led him to found the Tourist Section of the Budapest Locomotive Sports Club in 1949. This was a precursor to the Locomotive Tourist Association.
In 1952 amid post-World War II enthusiasm he initiated the Orsz\u00e1gos K\u00e9kt\u00fara movement. He completed it himself in 1953. Vizkelety found inspiration in the grand St. Stephen pilgrimage of 1938. This earlier tourist venture sparked his ambition. He described this in his book “The National Blue Trail and Those Who Completed It.”
The Orsz\u00e1gos K\u00e9kt\u00fara stretches 1172 km. It traverses Hungary’s northern regions. The path leads from \u00cdrott-k\u0151 in the K\u0151szeg Mountains. It ends in Holl\u00f3h\u00e1za in the Zempl\u00e9n Mountains. The route’s length may vary. This depends on occasional modifications.
Dr. Vizkelety L\u00e1szl\u00f3 was also a key figure in the Vasutas Term\u00e9szetj\u00e1r\u00f3k Sz\u00f6vets\u00e9ge or Railway Nature Lovers’ Association. From 1952 he organized railway tourists. He unified them under the Vasutas Term\u00e9szetj\u00e1r\u00f3 T\u00e1rsadalmi Bizotts\u00e1g.
The Dr. Vizkelety L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Plaque was inaugurated in K\u0151b\u00e1nya on the \u00d3hegy street. It stands on the wall of his former home. The Lokomot\u00edv TE and his family initiated it.
In 1994 Dr. Vizkelety received the Small Cross of the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic. This recognized his contributions. He passed away in May 2007 at the age of 84.
The plaque before us serves as a reminder. It reminds us of Dr. Vizkelety’s lasting impact. He created a path for generations to explore Hungary’s natural beauty. It also stands as a tribute to his dedication. His legacy encourages us to embrace the spirit of adventure.